Our Top Four Touring Gadgets

Our Top Four Touring Gadgets

GUEST POST - UK Traveller Sophie McGovern shares some tips on 4 must have gadgets she used on her recent Aussie road trip

Whilst driving a motor home along the east coast of Australia for three months I discovered many useful gadgets. Once I had these four gizmos in particular, though, I wasn't sure how I had ever lived without them. Here's why!

FM Transmitter Cable for an MP3 Player

An FM Transmitter cable is an absolute must-have if youâ€™re driving for hours at a time. This allows you to connect an iPod or MP3 player so you can listen to your favourite songs on the stereo. If you choose a cable with a radio signal, you are also able to find local radio stations should you not have an MP3 player handy.
Music acts as a huge enhancement to any journey especially when you're driving up to 18 hours at a time like I did. As an added bonus you can download audio books onto your MP3 player have the ability to listen to your new or your favourite books too. Music and audio books made my drive more enjoyable. It's nice to have a sound track that brings you back to the time and place of an adventure.

GPS Navigation System

While maps are a travel essential on a road trip, a GPS navigation system assists you in more ways than just getting you to your destination. It also tells you your speed and tracks the amount of miles you spend traveling on different legs of your trip. In addition, you can also gauge the distance between your location and your destination.
In my case, the electrical in my caravan had several issues and the speed meter wouldn't work half the time. The GPS helped save the day and monitored my speed to ensure I was driving safely.

iPad or device with Google Maps

Despite having a navigation system installed in the RV, there were times when it decided to play a few tricks with me and didn't get me to my destination. This is when an iPad or phone with live access to Google Maps plays a crucial role in your journey. Half the time, I spent using the GPS system, and the other half I used an iPad. That way I always knew where I was and where I was going.
In addition, Google Maps helps you find hotels and restaurants that are convenient to your route. You never know where the road will take you so it's hard to book a hotel in advance or locate a restaurant when you find yourself in the middle of nowhere.

Bluetooth Earpiece

You don't want to have a hand held mobile phone when driving a caravan. It's distracting and dangerous for you and the other drivers on the road. A Bluetooth earpiece allows you to have phone conversations hands free so you can properly manoeuvre your caravan. Whether you have a brief conversation or a long chat with an old friend, a blue tooth head piece allows you to have your hands free and have you full control over your vehicle.
Safe journey!

Sophie McGovern

Sophie and Andy are full-time nomads and motor home enthusiasts who have recently returned from an epic adventure along the east coast of Australia. Both aspiring travel writers and photographers, they have contributed to a number of travel websites including <a href="http://tourertrader.co.uk/article/a-great-touring-itinerary-for-devon/">Tourer Trader</a> and <a href="http://www.headingthere.co.uk/article/115_family+holidays+-+kid+friendly+music+festivals+in+the+uk/">HeadingThere</a>.

2 thoughts on “Our Top Four Touring Gadgets”

jansays:

Hi Sophie, good tips. I especially like the MP3 cable. Another good reason not to use your hand held whilst driving in Australia, is it is illegal with a $234 on the spot fine and 3 demerit points. That will put a hole in your budget!